The Original Bucky Lew: Breaking Basketball's color barrier

Join us for this fascinating and educational program we've planned in celebration of the opening of our new Local History Room.

Did you know the first integrated pro basketball game took place in Marlboro in 1902?

It happened when Harry “Bucky” Lew came down with his Lowell team to play Marlboro's entry in the New England Basketball League at old City Hall.

And beyond that first game, Lew continued in the pro game for 25 years. He further became the first Black coach, manager, referee, and team owner in integrated pro hoops. Lew's teams frequently in Marlboro and throughout New England.

While Lew’s achievements were well documented in the papers of the day, they have largely been forgotten since. However, the digitization of those papers—and the hard work of librarians like Morgan Manzella—is helping to bring them back to light.

Join author Chris Boucher as he shares pictures and stories about old-time basketball and Lew’s pioneering career on March 7 at 6 PM.